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The Shaker Schools Connection
A Message from the Interim Superintendent
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We're just two weeks into the 2018-19 school year, but I'm already very encouraged by what's happening at our buildings. I've witnessed teachers at Boulevard, Onaway and Woodbury extending a warm welcome to their new Fernway guests. I've walked the halls of the High School and Middle School to see students happy to reconnect with friends, staff and teachers. And I've spoken to families at all levels who are looking forward to what's ahead for this new year. Together, I know we'll accomplish great things in 2018-19.
Speaking of accomplishments, I'm so grateful for the outstanding work by all of our behind-the-scenes employees at the District. Our custodial staff---and in particular, the head custodians at each of our buildings---put in long hours this summer to ensure student spaces were ready for the first day of school. If you see any members of our custodial teams in the buildings, please offer them a heartfelt "thank you." They deserve it. Our grounds crew has worked hard to make sure our fields and beds are are well-manicured and welcoming. Our technology department has worked tirelessly to ensure that every student and staff member has the tools they need to succeed. Our bus drivers have met the challenge of new pickup locations and routes. Our security team is beginning the year with new security cameras to help them maintain a safe learning environment.
I also share my gratitude with our principals and front-office staff for their summer work, especially Boulevard Principal Neal Robinson, Onaway Principal Eric Forman, Woodbury Principal Danny Young and Fernway Principal Chris Hayward. Their collaboration and execution of our Shared Schools Plan was a model for us all. Every day, our teachers, staff and administrators demonstrate that Shaker Schools truly is guided by our commitment to putting students' needs first.
Looking ahead to September, I encourage families to attend your student's curriculum night. These events are the perfect opportunity to meet teachers and to better understand how your student will be supported as a lifelong learner. Also, this month, our Strategic Planning Committee reconvenes after a summer recess to begin the heavy lifting on our next five-year Strategic Plan. You can
learn more about developing the Strategic Plan online.
I look forward to seeing you around the District and wish you all a smooth transition through these first weeks of school.
Sincerely,
Dr. Stephen M. Wilkins
Interim Superintendent of Schools
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Thank You for Your #shakerfirstday Pictures!
Many thanks to all the Shaker teachers, staff and students who shared their #shakerfirstday pictures.
Watch the video we created with the fabulous pictures you posted on social media!
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Woodbury Celebrates 100 Years
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This year, Woodbury Elementary School celebrates its centennial with Shaker Heights Schools. The second public school to be built in the City (Boulevard Elementary was the first), Woodbury opened in 1918 as Shaker Heights Junior and Senior High School. At the time, it was home to students in Grades 7-12. In 1931, when Shaker Heights High School was built, Woodbury transitioned to a Junior High for students in Grades 7-9. Then, when the District restructured its schools in 1987, Woodbury became what it is today: an upper elementary school for the District's students in Grades 5 and 6.
Grade 6 Teacher Ruth Heide is spearheading school-wide efforts this year to engage students, teachers and alums in Woodbury's history. Mrs. Heide, together with retired Woodbury teacher Chuck Candel, are organizing a kickoff event at Woodbury on September 29 for former Woodbury teachers and graduated alumni. Throughout the year, Mrs. Heide will help coordinate activities in art and music, assembly of a time capsule, a brick paver sale, Spirit Days for students to dress in clothing from 1918 to today, a Chalkfest, Woodbury Trivia Tuesdays and more. "This building has so much history within our City and school communities," says Mrs. Heide. "We want this celebration to show our pride in Woodbury through each of its historic periods and to serve as a bridge between our past and our future."
Keep an eye out on Shaker Schools social media and in Woodnet for upcoming Centennial events.
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NEW for the 2018-19 School Year
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Biometric Finger Scanning
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This year, Shaker Schools will phase in a biometric finger scanning identification program in school cafeterias. This new system will improve security for your child's cafeteria account, eliminate clerical errors and provide students an easy and fast way to identify themselves when using the cafeteria. This technology has been in use for 10 years in Ohio and in more than 1,000 school districts across the country. Learn more about this program.
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New K-4 Visitor Procedure for Security
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The District Security Team has installed a new electronic visitor registration system at our K-4 buildings.
Upon entering any of our K-4 buildings, all guests must present a valid driver's license or state identification card to District staff within the building's main office. Your identification will be scanned and recorded into our system, which generates a unique temporary ID badge.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us keep our schools safe. |
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Casting Call for Woodbury Students: Be a Lunch Menu Kid!
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New for 2018-19 school year, Shaker Heights Schools is introducing video lunch menus starring Shaker elementary school students! (We'll still offer downloadable menus online for your reference.)
Videos will be posted on social media each Sunday to help you and your student plan for the week. Does your Woodbury student want to recite one of the daily menus on camera? Submit your information to Shaker's Lunch Menu Kids here by September 10!
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Shaker Schools Operations Team Looking Sharp
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Members of the District's Operations team---which includes Transportation, Grounds, Maintenance and Custodial staff---are sporting new uniforms, thanks to a collaboration between Interim Transportation Manager Erin Spevak, Administrative Assistant Heather Clark, Accounting Specialist Deborah Wright and members of the Local 200 (Custodians, Grounds and Bus Drivers). The new uniforms include a royal blue top with an embroidered Shaker logo and pants/shorts in black, charcoal or navy, depending on the department.
Ms. Spevak says the new uniforms give a unified look to the whole Operations team and offer a better fit, particularly for female team members. Previously, the uniforms were all men's or unisex sizing with only men's pants options for women. Today, there are a variety of styles of tops available and pants in two different fit sizes, depending the wearer's preference. Ms. Spevak says that uniforms have been well-received.
"The ladies were thrilled and the men have commented on how comfortable the new uniforms are. I think with all of the options we've given employees, they're happier now that they have options and aren't forced into a certain uniform," says Ms. Spevak. "It's been a smooth transition."
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Senior Nya Christian Wins First Place at World of Dance Competition
Congratulations to SHHS senior and IB Diploma Programme Candidate Nya Christian, who earned first place in the team dance competition with her team, Elevated, at the World of Dance Championships in Pasadena, CA!
Watch the dance team's awesome performance
and look for Nya, who appears from 1:10-1:28 and again from 4:00-4:20.
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SHHS Senior Lyle Yost Named National Champion in Diving
Congratulations to Shaker Heights High School Senior Lyle Yost, named National Champion in the Boy's 1-meter Springboard and Platform at the USA Diving National Championships in Atlanta, Ga. He also placed fourth in the 3-meter Springboard.
Way to go, Lyle!
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2018 Graduates Receive the State of Ohio Seal of Biliteracy
Forty-five Shaker Heights High School 2018 graduates earned the new State of Ohio Seal of Biliteracy, an award conferred to graduating seniors who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in English and at least one world language.
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Homecoming Weekend Has Fun for Everyone!
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 Shaker families, alumni, and community members are invited to the second annual Shaker Homecoming Community Celebration on Friday, September 28 and Saturday, September 29! Be sure to join us for these family-friendly events:
Pre-Game Festival on the Oval |
Saturday, September 29, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Shaker Heights High School Oval
This free, block party-style festival features rides on the Euclid Beach Rocket Car, the East Coast Custard truck, games and more!
The Big Game |
Saturday, September 29; Kickoff is 1 p.m. vs. Elyria High School
Wear your Raider gear and show your school spirit as you cheer on the team! Enjoy a rousing half-time show by the Pride of Shaker Heights Marching Band, Raiderettes and Cheerleaders. Buy your game tickets at the gate.
Other activities that weekend include:
Raider Nation Night Out @ The Dealership, 3558 Lee Rd., on Friday, September 28 from 6-11 p.m. Enjoy live music from the Sam Hooper ('75) Group. Admission is free, and food, beer and wine will be available for purchase.
Reservations are appreciated; adults only.
We hope to see you all there! For questions, contact the Shaker Schools Foundation and Alumni Association at (216) 295-4329.
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Fernway School Information
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On Thursday, August 23, Woodbury School welcomed Fernway students with a special flag-raising for their younger guests. "This is going to be a great year," Woodbury principal Danny Young told students from both schools. To demonstrate their unity, Woodbury student council members made a special sign that combines both schools' names and will serve as a fitting nickname for 2018-19: Fernbury United.
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Van Auken Akins Architects Selected for Fernway Project
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The District has selected Van Auken Akins Architects LLC for the Fernway Elementary School project.
On August 16, 2018, a District panel interviewed and evaluated the proposals of four highly respected architectural firms for the Fernway project: Perspectus Architecture; Weber Murphy Fox (WMF); ThenDesign Architecture (TDA), and Van Auken Akins Architects (VAAA). The panel recommended the selection of VAAA for the project, and Interim Superintendent Dr. Stephen Wilkins endorsed the selection.
Learn more
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Erin Spevak Named Interim Transportation Supervisor
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Erin M. Spevak has been named Interim Transportation Supervisor for the Shaker Heights City School District. She succeeds former Transportation Supervisor Mark Desmond.
Ms. Spevak has served as the Assistant Transportation Supervisor since December 2015. As Interim Transportation Supervisor, she will be responsible for day-to-day management of school bus operations to ensure that Shaker students receive safe and efficient transportation for school and co-curricular activities.
Prior to joining the Shaker Schools, Ms. Spevak was Transportation Supervisor for the United Disability Services of Akron, where she scheduled and assigned all daily routes and supervised data entry, report writing and verification. She has also worked for the Stow-Munroe Falls City Schools District, where she served as Interim Transportation Supervisor, a bus driver and a noontime aide.
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Andy Johnson named Executive Chef/Director of Food Service Operations
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Andy Johnson has joined Shaker Heights Schools food contractor AVI Foodsystems as Executive Chef/Director of Food Service Operations.
Most recently, Mr. Johnson was the executive chef as Cornucopia Inc., a Cleveland-based catering and vocational center, where he created a menu that featured vegan and gluten-free recipes, established labor/food budgets and coached trainees on safe kitchen practices. His experience also includes work as a sous chef with Delaware North SportsService, executive chef at Noodlecat Noodle Bar in downtown Cleveland and sous chef at the Tasting Room at Hoppin' Frog in Akron.
Mr. Johnson earned his AAB in Culinary Arts from the University of Akron.
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Kendra T. Agee-Barney (SHHS '02) Joins High School Counseling Department
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Shaker Heights High School named Kendra T. Agee-Barney (SHHS '02) as a School Counselor in the High School Counseling Department. Ms. Agee-Barney replaces Eileen Blattner, who retired at the end of last school year.
Since 2014, Ms. Agee-Barney taught Health to students in grades 10-12 at Shaker Heights High School. Her teaching topics covered decision making/goal setting, nutrition, fitness, communication and stress management. She was also a member of the Faculty Senate. Prior to that, Ms. Agee-Barney was a Health and Physical Education teacher at Fairdale High School in Fairdale, Kentucky.
Ms. Agee-Barney earned her Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from Wright State University and her Masters of Education from the University of Findlay. For the 2017-18 school year, she completed her practicum and interned with the Shaker Heights High School Counseling Department, where she managed a caseload of students in Grades 9-12, provided individual counseling to students, created academic improvement plans, and collaborated with administrators, teachers, and counselors. She earned her Masters of Education in School Counseling from John Carroll University this year.
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Employee Spotlights: Julie Mims and Tina McCauley
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Julie Mims, Administrative Assistant for Data and Technology
Julie Mims is one of the District's behind-the-scenes team members who are rarely seen by our students, staff and families, but whose expertise is critical to the District's daily operations. An eight-year veteran with Shaker Schools, Ms. Mims is among the the friendly faces of the District's Help Desk (in August alone, the Help Desk took more than 1,000 calls). She troubleshoots ProgressBook challenges for parents and, during the summers, she's charged with purchasing new hardware (like Chromebooks) and updating software licenses, among other duties. Above all, Julie is perfectly suited for the job: ask her a question and she's always friendly and gracious with her response, no matter how simple the question.
Learn more about Julie Mims.
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Tina McCauley, Lomond Assistant Principal
Lomond Assistant Principal Tina McCauley is good on her feet, so to speak.
During the school year, she stays busy, keeping a kind, watchful eye on Lomond students. But in the summers (and pretty much any time she can catch a break from work or her evening gig as a swim coach for the Lake Erie Silver Dolphins), Tina loves to spend her time barefoot waterskiing. Her passion for the sport goes beyond a hobby: she is the current Women's B National Champion, a title she earned this past July at US Barefoot Nationals on Lake Grew in Florida.
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FROM THE CITY OF SHAKER HEIGHTS
Important Notice: Stay Off Mudflats at Horseshoe Lake
Lower water levels in Horseshoe Lake are exposing mudflats. Please, do not walk on or play near these mudflats. They are dangerous and you will sink into the mud, which will require a rescue operation. The mudflats are accessible from Horseshoe Lake Park. The Public Works Department is adding fencing to further restrict access and new warning signs are being installed.
The City lowered the water level in Horseshoe Lake by three feet because of concerns by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources about the structural integrity of the dam. Dam repairs could take two years. Learn more.
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Have a comment, suggestion or concern? Share it with us using our new Feedback form on the District's website,
www.shaker.org
. Simply choose the "Contact" drop-down menu at the top of the website and click on "Feedback." You can select the particular department you want to receive your message.
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15600 Parkland Drive, Shaker Heights OH 44120
shaker.org ยท 216-295-1400
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